Tag Archives: Cambridgeshire U18s League

Cambridgeshire Girls U18s League Cup Final

Netherton United Ladies U18s v Newmarket Town Ladies U18s

Midweek football on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog came from St Neots Town FC and the Final of the Cambridgeshire Girls U18s League Cup played between Netherton United Ladies & Newmarket Town Ladies, two side with a strong youth policy that has seen several of their U18s play for their senior teams already.

Cup Final Report – Netherton United Ladies U18s v Newmarket Town Ladies U18s

 
  The Cup Finals keep coming on the Supporting Women’s Football. A midweek trip to St Neots Town FC to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire S-Tech Insurance Girls U18s League Cup, with Netherton United Ladies U18s playing Newmarket Town Ladies U18s.

  Two sides that have a similar approach to the game running a number of youth sides with a clear path in place to achieve 1st team football with the senior women’s side and this season has seen a number of U18 players feature regularly for their 1st team both of which compete in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. 

  The venue for this evenings final St Neots Town FC, a newly build stadium on the outskirts of the town, amongst a new housing development going up, is a bit of a rabbit warren to find amongst the new housing and the Sat Nav gave up, still I found it the floodlights visible it was a case of picking the right road. Is a very nice stadium, new a large seated stand along side the pitch with a clubhouse with bar and facilities for hot refreshments although not available tonight. Terraced covered stands at either end. The large pitch looked in fantastic condition. A bright and sunny evening warm and dry total contrast to the monsoon I’d stood in to watch Newmarket Town Ladies in their semi-final game.

Road to the Final
 
  Just 7 sides contested the Cambridge Girls U18s League this season, Wisbech St Marys Ladies were the runaway winners playing and winning all 15 of their league matches whilst Newmarket Town Ladies finished as runners-up with Netherton United Ladies 3rd. Both sides entering in the quarter final stage.
  Newmarket Tow Ladies were awarded an away win with Riverside Rovers pulling out. Into the hat 4 the semi-finals were drawn at home against league leaders Wisbech St Marys Ladies. A tough challenge seemingly I went along to watch this semi-final on a Saturday morning played on the Dullingham Polo Fields. On the day Newmarket Town Ladies were by far the better side winning the game 4-0 to reach the League Cup Final.
  Netherton United Ladies were at home in the quarter finals showing no mercy as they romped though to the semi-finals beating Sawston 21-0. That result scaring their semi-final opponents Sawtry the game never took place and Netherton United Ladies were into the final.
The venue for this evenings final St Neots Town FC, a newly build stadium on the outskirts of the town, amongst a new housing development going up, is a bit of a rabbit warren to find amongst the new housing and the Sat Nav gave up, still I found it the floodlights visible it was a case of picking the right road. Is a very nice stadium, new a large seated stand along side the pitch with a clubhouse with bar and facilities for hot refreshments although not available tonight. Terraced covered stands at either end. The large pitch looked in fantastic condition. A bright and sunny evening warm and dry total contrast to the monsoon I’d stood in to watch Newmarket Town Ladies in their semi-final game.
 
  Netherton United Ladies U18s starting XI – Katie Cooper, Stacie Boon, Courtney Coles, Olivia Bass, Georgia Clarke, Hazel Sterling (C), Eleanor Mitchell, Georgina Parrett, Savannah Evans, Lucy Johnson & Emma Pollard.
  subs – Tia Vacca, Charlotte Akester & Natasha Anderson.
 
   Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Lilli Estus, Katie Webb, Chloe Slater, Yasmin Woodfield, Ella Blowes (C), Jessica Linger, Molly Agnew, Abbi Griffin, Olivia Orme, Jordanne Sillitoe & Dominika Szary
   subs – Olivia Page & Freya Rule.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
  Newmarket wearing yellow shirts with blue trim on the sides and numbering get the 1st half underway with opponents Netherton lined up opposite wearing red shirts with a black bands across the chest, black shorts and black and red hooped socks. Netherton captain, Hazel Sterling imposes herself on the ball in the midfield early on pushing out to the left side tries the play in Savannah Evans ahead of her trying to come in from the left side to get inside the area the pass carries too much weight runs through to Newmarket goalkeeper Lilli Estus for an early touch of the ball.
Netherton United Ladies u18s captain goes on the attack early on
  Not only have players from both sides played for their respective 1st teams this season, Newmarket have a few dual signed who have played at a higher level still, defender Katie Webb and attacking player Jordanne Sillitoe have experience in the ERWFL Premier Division with Great Shelford Ladies, whilst I have seen Chloe Slater in playing for Brandon Town Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Newmarket go up the other end the ball put up the right channel for Abbi griffin to chase wins her side a corner kick. Any set piece put in from that side could cause a problem for the Netherton defence with the sun setting low behind that side of the stadium. The ball comes in goalkeeper, Katie Cooper goes up to claim the ball isn’t safely in her gloves drops into the six yard box, Netherton scramble it away.
 GOAL! The perfect start for Newmarket as they open the scoring just 3 minutes played. the ball from the corner kick isn’t cleared far outsdie the Netherton box newmarket regain possession on the left side, comes to the feet of Sillitoe, carries it forwards comng inside reaches the edge of the area pulls the trigger drilling the ball low and fast across the goal and buries it into the bottom corner. 0-1.
 
   Newmarket aome again Sillitoe proving to be a handful on the ball, plays the pass out to Molly Agnew moving into space on the right side again the shot comes in from just outside the area Cooper gets down low and pushes the ball away for another corner. Netherton are trying to release attackers Emma Pollard and Lucy Johnson through the centre testing the Newmarket defence with high balls. Newmarket regain the ball go up the other end winning a throw on the right is put into Sillitoe’s feet turns inside and looks to curl a shot in towards the top corner, drifts wide of the target.
Netherton’s Lucy Johnson with Newmarket’s Yasmin Woodfield
  On the left Dominika Szary gets hold of the ball takes on the Netherton defence getting free, shoots from 20 yards out, Cooper dives to her left but a touch isn’t needed as the ball rolls a yard wide for the goal kick. Netherton get the ball up though the middle quickly Evans into Johnson who slides Pollard in off the shoulder of the Newmarket defence has a half yard head start, Estus comes off her line to the edge of her area right side beats the ball away with her gloves as Pollard shoots. 
Jess Linger in the centre of midfield for Newmarket plays a good ball out for Griffin on the right puts the ball inside into Sillitoe who shoots positioned left of the D, Cooper is down sharply to make the save stopping the ball then claiming it. Courtney Coles gets across and puts in a good tackle to stop Agnew wide left as she looks to travel with the ball deep on the left as Newmarket counter attack. Another block is needed from Netherton as Sillitoe charging forwards with the ball at her feet unleashes a shot, Emma Mitchell getting herself behind the ball to block. the ball looping away for a corner. Comes in high into the middle Szary going up for it connects with her head but sends the ball wide across goal.
Dominika Szary gets up to head the ball from a corner for Newmarket
  Staying close together as the ball is put up to them Johnson and Pollard attack the Netherton defence exchanging passes as they work it forwards Johnson gets the ball back to Pollard as she gets free just outside the area takes on the shot the ball looping up turns away from the right post wide.Evans wins a throw inside the Newmarket half on the left taking it gets the ball back lifts it up towards the area picking out Pollard who hits it on the turn sending the ball up into the air comes down into Estus’ gloves.
 Is a fast paced game, U18s football is alot faster than the senior women’s game and that isn’t a slow game either. Georgina Parrett bursts forwards played in by Sterling down the wing wins a throw deep in their territory the ball comes to nothing, Newmarket get hold of it, Linger getting the ball up to Griffin who goes for goal 20 yards out puts her effort over the crossbar. Sillitoe who is constantly looking for room to unleash a shot goes for it from 30 yards out left side a fierce drive is off target. 
Chloe Slater playing the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies U18s
  Change for Netherton with Sterling coming off the armband handed to Coles as Tia Vacca comes on. Evans brings the ball forwards for Netherton plays it inside to Johnson, she and Pollard exchange passes again working their way through the middle, get a shot away Newmarket have bodies in the box the ball is blocked. Szary comes off for Newmarket with Olivia Page being sent on.
  GOAL! Netherton get themselves back on level terms, Pollard picking the ball up inside the Newmarket half has Vacca running into space on her left, plays the ball out to her getting hold of it deep is closed down looks up seeing what options she has Parett has come forwards left side of the area the ball is played into her hits the shot sending the ball looping up high into the air flies over Estus and drops behind her into the back of the net 1-1.
Georgina Parrett looking to get on the ball levels things up for Netherton
 Sillitoe has taken a knock and needs to come off, Agnew who had sneaked off earlier on returning to the pitch. Netherton put a dangerous ball forwards looking to clear the Newmarket defence, Pollard is interested, but Newmarket defender Olivia Orme does well to keep her eye on the ball watch it drop with a setting sun to deal and get a firm header on the ball to clear.Break on for Netherton Johnson playing the ball down the line for Vacca surging forwards, Griffin tracking back slides in to win the ball back putting it out for the corner. Newmarket get the ball up the other end Griffins cross put behind at the near post for a corner. The ball is put into the face of the area, is rolled out to Griffin right hits it hard towards goal, stinging Coopers gloves as she saves then claims the lose ball insde her six yard box.
  Netherton go straight on the attack the ball sent out to Johnson peeling away into space left carrying the ball on left side of the area lets fly sending the shot high looping over Estus once again looks destined to drop under the bar, instead hits it then the post before dropping down central a foot in front of goal, then into the gloves of a grateful Estus. Late into the 1st half and Newmarket have a corner, on the right goes all the way through the area coming to Yasmin Woodfield left side 20 yards out fires the shot back in Copper diving to her right the ball sails wide.
Half-time Netherton United Ladies U18s 1-1 Newmarket Town Ladies U18s
  A fast paced 1st half with plenty of chances created, Newmarket getting the better share of them have used the width better getting the ball into the channels whilst Sillitoe has been all over the place in attack hard to mark. Scored early but Netherton held out working hard to chase the ball down have been patient waiting for the mistakes then trying to capitalise, equalised and could have had a lead late in the 1st half. 
  Netherton get the 2nd half underway the floodlights now starting to take full effect. Both Sillitoe and Szary are back on the pitch for the start of the 2nd half Page and Freya Rule off. After a tentative opening couple of minutes Newmarket win a corner on the right as Sillitoe pushes into the corner. The ball coming in is knocked up into the air at the near post, comes down for Linger edge of the area right of goal, takes a touch shifting the ball into a yard of space to shoot hits it hard but straight at Cooper who holds onto the ball.
  Netherton make a push through the middle, Parrett and Pollard working it forwards the latter trying to put Johnson clear on the right side, Slater closing her down tackles and brings the ball away. Pollard comes through the middle shoots 20 yards out sees the ball blocked spins away to the right Johnson winning a corner. Estus decides to come through the crowd at her near post goes to punch the ball misses it drops behind her into the six yard area in front of goal, Webb launches it. 
  GOAL! Newmarket retake the lead, coming forwards through the middle Slater to Linger the ball rolled on for Sillitoe right of the D 20 yards out, Griffin more central just ahead of her her is given the ball rolls it on for Szary coming into the area goes for the shot pulling the ball across the keeper to the far post strikes it at the base and is turned in 1-2. 
 
   Great tackle from Webb on Vacca left side as Netherton attack Parrett on for Pollard who looks to get Vacca through on goal. Johnson has a pop at goal 25 yards out hits the ball wide across the area. Pollard is fouled on the left side close to the top of the area. A good delivery is swept into the box, Johnson rising to attack it sends her header narrowly over the crossbar. 
  Newmarket are starting to get more of the ball, lifting a ball up into the box Griffin looks to hit the ball across the six yard box with the outside of her boot, Szary making the run is just sort of connecting with the ball before Cooper claims it. Sillitoe with a powerful run down into the right channel stands the ball up into the area Szary gets her head on the ball but can’t direct it on target. A knock for Stacie Boon comes off for Netherton with Sterling returning to the action. Change for Newmarket to Agnew coming off Page comes back on.
  GOAL! Newmarket extend their lead coming from a throw inside the Netherton half on the right side is with Page down beside the area plays the pass back up into Sillitoe coming to receive, outside the area Sillitoe goes for goal hitting a high ball into the area little Cooper can do about it as it drops late behind her and over the line. 1-3.
 
Jordan Sillitoe on the ball for Newmarket scores 2
in the U18s League Cup Final
  Vacca comes off for Netherton with Boon returning to the game. Linger plays the ball up in towards Sillitoe 20 yards out slips and falls as she goes to control the ball, Griffin is close with her gets the shot away looping up but straight for Cooper she palms it down the scrambles to get hold of it with Szary chasing in on the follow up. Johnson is fouled by Webb coming across her 25 yards out, Netherton have a free kick, Olivia Bass over it goes for goal puts the strike over. 
  Webb plays the ball into the box as she finds herself high up the pitch with a throw being taken on the left plays the ball into to the area, Parrett does well to defend against Sillitoe the ball cleared Page tried to turn it back in is fouled giving Newmarket the free kick in a central position 25 yards out. Linger takes it going for goal hits it hard drills the ball wide. Netherton are tiring not retaining the ball high up the pitch Newmarket bring it forwards a superb ball from Slater putting the pass across the pitch picking out Griffin on the right side shoots aiming for the near post, great save by Cooper diving at full stretch to push the ball wide for the corner as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. 
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin
  Corner for Newmarket on the right put into the box Sillitoe gets up highest to head the ball turning it down towards the far post Bass covering the post makes the goal line clearance. The subs are coming thick and fast from both sides late on job to keep track of who is on and who is off. Webb has been in fine form at the back for Newmarket all game and late on gets across to stops Pollard making one last break through the middle. Gets up the other end as Newmarket push forwards has a strike at goal from outside the box firing it straight at Cooper who keeps hold of the ball.
  The final whistle blows and Newmarket Town Ladies celebrate as they win the u18s Girls League Cup Final beating Netherton 3-1. An entertaining final played at a fast tempo between to sides packed with potential as they end their time in youth football setting up to women’s football next season both sides look to have an exciting future ahead of them. Newmarket were the better side over the 90 minutes creating more chances. Netherton worked hard and created chances equalising and could have lead before Newmarket went on to score 2 more goals 2nd half, Netherton tiring towards the end.
Newmarket Town Ladies U18s, League Cup Winners
  Congratulations to Newmarket Town Ladies on their cup success. Thanks to Cambridgeshire FA’s Chris Abbott for his help tonight and both sides for sorting me out with the squad details after the match.

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies U18s v Wisbech St Marys U18s

Match Report – Newmarket Ladies U18s v Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s

Saturday 5th March 2016

   Readers of the Supporting Women’s Football Blog will know I like to cover as much women’s football as I can across the country, like to see new sides for the 1st time. Today though is my 1st taste of women’s football at youth level with a game from the Cambridgeshire U18s League Cup a semi-final Newmarket Town Ladies U18s v Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s.

   It was Newmarket Town Ladies who asked me a while back if I was interested in coming over to watch a match at youth level, their senior women’s side is fairly new to the Cambridgeshire Women’s County League set-up entering at the start of the 2014/15 season into the Championship South, they won the title to earn promotion to the Premiership above a young side the aim is to establish themselves in the league then build with players from their U18s side already playing regularly for the 1st team, more stepping up next season with a couple more Jordanne Sillitoe and Katie Webb playing at a higher level still in the ERWFL Premier Division with Great Shelford Ladies. The U18s are 2nd in their league with a record of 7 wins a draw and 2 defeats from 10 games played.

   Tough opponents today with Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s (Purples) having a strong season in the league a 100% win record with 12 wins out of 12 are 3 points away from winning the title. The two sides have met in the league twice this season with Wisbech St Marys the side to give Newmarket their 2 defeats, both close games the 1st 2-0 the 2nd game just last Saturday where they came back from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to win the match 4-3 are aiming for a league and cup double. A handful of their players too have featured for the senior Wisbech St Marys Ladies side which competes in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North.

   The venue for today’s match, Dullingham Polo Fields, off the beaten track a little not too far out of Newmarket itself the place was a hive of activity when I arrived with plenty of cars parked on the wet grass, a pavilion with a row of child size pitches with plenty of games in progress, a catering trailer providing hot food and drink with the U18s warming up in the full sized pitch beyond. The weather was awful sleet and rain to start the day falling heavily as I left Norfolk I was expecting to hear the game was to be called off. The rain had just about stopped by time I parked, bitterly cold as I found and introduced myself to both sides coaches before kick-off.

   Newmarket Ladies U18s starting XI – Lilli Estus, Katie Webb, Yasmin Woodfield, Ella Blowes (C), Jess Linger, Abbi Griffin, Olivia Orme, Molly Agnew, Dominika Szary & Jordanne Sillitoe
   subs – 

   Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s starting XI – Courtney Pilbeam, Millie York, Ellie Nobbs, Chelsea King, Kayleigh Pilbeam, Kitty Whitacre, Bella Winn Jeorgia Carr, Amy Magnus (C) & Sophie Harris
   subs – Lauren Cook, Carlie Knight, Alison Stokoe & Emily Woosnar

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  If you were observant you would have noticed both sides starting XI’s had 10 players not 11. Newmarket were struggling with injuries have only the 10 players available today, could have started with 9 however 10 was agreed as the two sides lined-up for the hand shakes. Newmarket have kick off 1st half are wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts an blue socks with white tops. With Wisbech St Marys lined up opposite wearing purple shirts, black shorts and socks. Newmarket have the wind at their backs as it starts to rain again, tricky day for taking notes… 
                                                      Players shaking hands before the match

     The game starts at a furious pace with both sides looking to get the ball out to the flanks get in behind, Bella Winn carries the ball down the right for Wisbech St Marys her cross takes a deflection off a Newmarket boot taking it away from the run made by Sophie Harris towards the edge of the area, the ball comes to Newmarket captain, Ella Blowes in the centre of defence who launches it clear of her area.

   Jordanne Sillitoe leading the line for Newmarket is looking to get hold of the ball and run at the Wisbech St Marys defence, coming down the right can’t get the better of Millie York the two going shoulder to shoulder the defender timing her tackle perfectly to prevent Sillitoe crossing into the box. The pitch has seen alot of play and a light covering of snow has made it a little slick and bobbly. Dominika Szary is playing a little deeper than Sillitoe providing the link between midfield and attack for Newmarket, back to goal the ball is put into her feet by midfielder Abbi Griffin who then goes on the overlap wants the ball put down the right wing, Szary picks her out with the pass, Griffin takes the ball on but crossing sends the ball behind the goal.

                                                                  Wisbech St Marys, Kitty Whitacre

A good ball down the line by Kitty Whitacre on the left as she brings the ball forwards for Wisbech St Marys, captain Amy Magnus makes the run from a central position to get onto the end of the ball whipping a great cross into the box, Newmarket’s defence is prepared to drop deep and keeping a good shape head the ball clear. The ball is retrieved by Kayleigh Pilbeam for Wisbech St Marys who shoots from about 20 yards out on target coming in low, Newmarket goalkeeper Lilli Estus is right behind it and scoops the ball up into her gloves.

  The match is free flowing, end to end, players not spending much time on the ball, the women’s game is usually played at a high tempo the U18s is much faster, now sooner has Sillitoe won a corner for Newmarket, the ball whipped in from the right side, Whitacre rises to head clear for Wisbech St Marys the counter attack is on Winn racing up the right flashes a cross along the six yard line inside the Newmarket box. 

                                                  Sophie Harris attacking for Wisbech St Marys

  Midway through the 1st half Wisbech St Marys have the substitutes to bring on mix thing’s up and are using them Lauren Cook and Alison Stokoe introduced to the action. For all the action neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested yet. Sillitoe comes close to opening the scoring for Newmarket as a Wisbech St Marys goal kick drops favourably for her 25 yards out, goals for goal getting swerve on the shot, Courtney Pilbeam in goal for the visitors doesn’t move turns to her left sees it sail a foot wide of the post.

  A corner on the left for Newmarket, is send it low towards the near post, Sillitoe making a run towards the ball, turns it goalwards 3 yards out, however Pilbeam has comes across and is well placed to plant herself on the ground and gather the ball. Newmarket come again with the ball fed out to Sillitoe on the right, help from Molly Agnew the ball is sent in towards the box looping up Szary is under it at the near post, is unchallenged as she goes to head the ball sends it wide of the goal.

                                            50/50 challenge between Sophie Harris & Jordanne Sillitoe

From the next Newmarket corner, the ball is cleared out into the midfield, the ball is hotly contested players drawn into the melee it rebounding around it pops clear for Szary and she is ahead of everyone, free for a run at the Wisbech St Marys box, travels with the ball right Pilbeam comes racing out to charge her down at the edge of her area, charging the attempted shot down recovers faster to throw herself over the loose ball before Szary can latch onto it with her goal exposed behind.

    GOAL! Penalty! Newmarket are awarded a spot kick, with the ball out on the right win a series of throws to move them down the line the last sees a high ball whipped into the Wisbech St Marys box, Szary is under it when she is shoved over the referee immediately  pointing to the penalty spot. Up steps Sillitoe to take, goes for power sending the ball high to the left giving Pilbeam no chance to save, 1-0

                     Jordanne Sillitoe scoring from the penalty spot to give Newmarket the lead

  Sillitoe is covering alot off grass for Newmarket in attack going right and left, running at the Wisbech St Marys defence isn’t getting much luck up against York, coming across to the opposite wing shoulder to shoulder with Whitacre the defender pushing her wide Sillitoe manages to get a shot away, as they enter the area, Pilbeam has to keep her eye on the bouncing ball does well to shift her feet and see the ball up into her midriff.

   Carlie Knight and Emily Woosnar have both come on for Wisbech St Marys. Attacking up the right Harris is clipped as she looks to turn inside towards the box, Jeorgia Carr is over the free kick, looks to whip a cross along the six yard line for runners chasing in to attack, just a little too close to Estus gives the keeper the opportunity to drop on the ball. Whitacre bringing the ball forwards slides the pass in for Magnus to make a run at the Newmarket defence, back tracking Yasmin Woodfield makes the challenge to win the ball outside the box. Carr picking up the ball in midfield comes forwards for Wisbech St Marys, jinking left then right opening up room for a shot 20 yards out the shot is blocked by Blowes rushing out to close it down.

  Szary get’s a print of the football plastered across her back as bombing forwards down the left team mate Jess Linger lets fly from distance Szary can’t get out of the way, a painful one needs treatment but isn’t long returning to the action. Attacking down the right Newmarket come again Olivia Orme bringing it forwards before sending Sillitoe away, coming inside Agnew is available for the cross inside the D, the ball rolled into her takes on the shot sweeping the ball up his over the bar.

   Closing moments of the 1st half, Newmarket applying late pressure to the Wisbech St Marys defence as they struggle to get the ball out of their area with Sillitoe getting her boot on the ball just inside the box carries it to her right before letting fly, on target waist height Pilbeam produces a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she dives full stretched to her right brings the ball down and traps it under her body.

   Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies U18s 1-0 Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s

   An exciting and fast paced 1st half, Newmarket have the slender lead but have created more going forwards and haven’t offered Wisbech St Mary too many opportunities to get in behind a defensive unit that is working hard keeping a good shape. I’m hungry and with a catering trailer calling me risk going to get a bacon roll, going to be 2 minutes I can’t wait the players are already on the way back out, so I put it on hold till the end and get back as Wisbech St Marys get the 2nd half underway.
  GOAL! Had I have waited for my bacon roll I would have missed this. Newmarket double their advantage early in the 2nd half winning a throw inside the Wisbech St Marys half on the left the ball comes to Sillitoe who getting her head down drives inside towards the edge of the box, looks up Agnew is to her right edge of the box in space, Pilbeam races out to try and close her down as Agnew pulls the trigger the ball squirms under the keeper as Agnew trips over her, stays on her feet, to get onto the ball and knock it over the line 2-0.

                                                               Molly Agnew scoring Newmarket Town
                                                                           Ladies U18s 2nd goal

Newmarket have started brightly 2nd half Katie Webb tackling Harris brings it out from the back plays the ball into Griffin in the centre her pass forwards releases Agnew on the right, Stokoe gets across to tackle win the ball as she reaches the area. Winning the ball ball is given to Agnew on the wing once again whips a good cross into the box, Szary get’s her foot to the ball the shot is sliced favourably swinging in towards Pilbeam to claim.

   Harris carries the ball 20 yards into the Newmarket half, coming inside Magnus is making the run for her to get into the box Harris looks to put her through on goal Magnus can’t quite take it into her stride. Griffin puts Sillitoe through on goal, York gets round on the cover putting in a strong challenge to take the ball away from her, Sillitoe goes after it out on the left two strides looks to shoot looks to be drifting away from the goal, Pilbeam can’t be sure with the post behind her and knocking it into the ground falls bringing it into her body.

  Carr travels with the ball on the right of attack for Wisbech St Marys sends a high ball across the face of the six yard box with Lauren Cook coming in far post her touch laying the ball back to the edge of the area with Magnus free she puts her foot through the ball the shot blocked by the Newmarket defence. Carr out on the right again squares her next cross low into Magnus waiting for it just inside the box looks to hit it on the spin again Newmarket throw a body in the way of the shot the loose ball spins into the path of the onrushing Cook she goes for the strike again Newmarket put the block in.

                                      Yasmin Woodfield bringing the ball out from the back for Newmarket

  With Wisbech St Marys pressing on looking for a goal the counter attack is on Sillitoe is given it on halfway beating the last defender heads for the area right side Pilbeam comes out to met her inside the area stays up blocking with her legs as Sillitoe tries to knock it past her, and again the goalkeeper is the quicker to pounce on the loose ball. Sillitoe has the ball on the left gets the ball into the box with Szary running into the centre six yards out shoots, a defender just about gets there as the ball deflects up over the bar, corner awarded. The 1st corner from the right is put behind for a 2nd this one is send in towards the near post 10 yards out Szary coming to meet it gets her head on the ball turns it towards goal but over the crossbar.

   Wisbech St Marys are having a frustrating game the final ball just isn’t happening at the moment as they press players forwards picking the ball up from a deeper position Magnus drives inside with Cook and Woosnar ahead of her looks to put the ball through into the area, Estus reading the threat sprints off her goal line to get hold of the ball as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Newmarket aren’t interested in running the ball into the corner holding play up.

                        Amy Magnus on the ball looking to make something happen for Wisbech St Marys

Free Kick for Newmarket wide on the left with the wind against her Sillitoe goes for goal near post the wind is a problem holds the ball up tricky one for the goalkeeper to deal with Pilbeam does well throwing a glove up turning the ball round the post for a corner kick. 

 
  GOAL! Game is into the closing minutes, Wisbech St Marys have everyone bar the goalkeeper inside the Newmarket half as they search for that one chance to get a goal back. Griffin wins the ball back for Newmarket her pass out to halfway releases Sillitoe on the left side tired legs no one can catch her travels towards the box release her shot aiming near post the ball skidding along the wet grass, Pilbeam gets across to the near post is unlucky as the ball squeezes under her to go into the back of the net 3-0.

                      Wisbech St Marys Bella Winn with Newmarket Town Ladies Jordanne Sillitoe

  GOAL! Wisbech St Marys know it hasn’t been their day but still push forwards from the restart the cross is swept into the box Orme wins the header the ball played long for Sillitoe to go after as she sprints over the halfway line bearing down on goal Pilbeam has to come, Sillitoe shoots early this time slotting the ball past her from outside the past to score her hat-trick 4-0.

  The final whistle blows and Newmarket Town Ladies U18s win the match 4-0 to make it to the final of the League Cup. Were the better side today although they didn’t put the tie beyond doubt until the closing minutes. Sure I didn’t see the Wisbech St Marys Ladies U18s side that has been dominating the league all season today were outplayed a frustrating morning the Newmarket defence didn’t give much away. Netherton United Ladies U18s or Sawtry Ladies U18s await them in the final date and venue yet to be announced. Time to go get my bacon roll.

  My thanks to both clubs coaches for their help with the teams today, enjoyed my 1st look at youth football despite the bitterly cold weather. The action never stopped and it was hard work for the pen to keep up. Congratulations to Newmarket Town Ladies U18s and best of luck for the final.